Maryland Gov. OKs School Start After Labor Day

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan on Wednesday signed an executive order to require Maryland public schools to start after Labor Day. The signing took place on the Ocean City Boardwalk. (Photo credit: Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan)

OCEAN CITY, Md.- Gov. Larry Hogan has signed an executive order to require Maryland public schools to start after Labor Day.

The Republican governor signed the order on the Ocean City Boardwalk on Wednesday.

Hogan says the policy will take effect next year. It also will require the school year to end by June 15.

Hogan made the announcement with Comptroller Peter Franchot and local officials. The governor says the change will have economic benefits by extending the summer holiday season. He also says it will help prevent disruptions when schools without air conditioning are forced to cancel classes when it's too hot.

However, the governor's executive order is drawing swift criticism from opponents.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller said Wednesday shortly after Hogan's announcement that using an executive order is "legally questionable."

Miller, a Democrat, says it would have been more appropriate for the Republican governor to push for legislation and work with education experts and local officials around the state.

Miller also says the governor's announcement with Comptroller Peter Franchot by his side "appears like political gamesmanship."

Hogan, for his part, says the change is popular with Maryland residents.

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